Legislative Round-up - March 6, 2020

Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now,
where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived. Views and positions expressed here are those of the
writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.

(RAMP UP PRESSURE ON IRAN)HR 6081: Introduced 3/4 by Hill (R-AR) and Lawson
(D-FL), “To require the President to report on financial institutions’
involvement with officials of the Iranian Government, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House
Committee on Financial Services. Press release ishere.

(MORE SANCTIONS ON IRAN)HR 6015:Introduced 2/28 by Steil (R-WI) and
5 GOP cosponsors, the “Stop Evasion of Iran Sanctions Act of 2020.” Referred to the House Committee
on Financial Services. Press release ishere.

(PALESTINIAN PARTNERSHIP FUND)HR 3104andS.1727:Introduced 6/5 in
the House by Lowey (D-NY) and Fortenberry (R-NE), and in the Senate by Coons (D-DE), Graham (R-SC), Kaine
(D-VA) and Gardner (R-CO), “To establish the Partnership Fund for Peace to promote joint economic
development and finance ventures between Palestinian entrepreneurs and companies and those in the United
States and Israel to improve economic cooperation and people-to-people peacebuilding programs, and to
further shared community building, peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and reconciliation between Israelis and
Palestinians.” Speaking 3/4 at AIPAC, Sen. Schumer (D-NY) endorsed the Fund for Palestine – video
ishere.

Letters

(SANCTION TURKEY FOR DETENTION OF LOCAL STAFF OF US MISSIONS)Van Hollen et al letter to Pompeo:On 3/6,
Senators Van Hollen (D-MD), (R-IN), and Leahy (D-VT) sent a letter to SecState Pompeo calling for him to
impose sanctions on Turkey over the wrongful detention of locally employed staff at U.S. diplomatic missions
in Turkey (Metin Topuz, Mete Canturk, and Hamza Ulucay – three Turkish citizens who have served at US
missions in Turkey since the 1980’s). The letter notes that the senators’ recently passed appropriations languagerequires the
State Department to deny visas to foreign officials involved in the wrongful detentions of these staff.
Press release ishere.

(MORE US-ISRAEL DRONE COOPERATION)Gottheimer-Gonzalez letter to Esper:On 3/3, Reps.
Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Gonzalez (R-OH) sent a letter to SecDef Esper calling for the Department of Defense to
expand cooperation with Israel to help counter the threat of ‘killer drones’ in the region. Press release
ishere.

(MORE US-ISRAEL DEFENSE COOPERATION)Cotton-Peters letter to Esper: On 2/28, Senators Cotton (R-AR) and
Peters (D-MI) sent a letter to SecDef Esper urging the creation of a permanent working group with Israel
that would share defense capabilities requirements and coordinate joint research and development efforts.
Press release ishere; Peters’ tweet ishere.

(URGING GOVT OF EGYPT TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS)Tlaib et al letter to Egyptian Ambassador: On 2/27, Rep. Tlaib (D-MI)
led a letter, co-signed by 5 House Democrats, to Egypt’s ambassador to the US. The letter calls on Egypt to
respect human rights in general, and specifically the human rights of detainees, and raises concerns about
the recent death of an American citizen in Egyptian custody. The letter notes the signers intent to
“continue to monitor the human rights situation in Egypt and take it into consideration when debating
future appropriations of bilateral assistance to the Egyptian government.” Tlaib tweet announcing the
letter ishere.

(ARE US SANCTIONS PREVENTING FIGHTING COVID-19 IN IRAN)Warren letters to State & Treasury: On 2/28, Sen. Warren (D-MA)
sent letters to the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State expressing concern about the
coronavirus spread in Iran and seeking assurances that U.S. sanctions on Iran are not hindering humanitarian
transactions that would help counter and contain the spread of the disease in that country. Press release
ishere.

2. Hearings

3/12: The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State and Foreign
Operations will hold its “Public Witness Day” on 3/12.

3/10: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing entitled,
“National Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activities in the Greater Middle East and
Africa.” Scheduled witnesses are: Kathryn Wheelbarger, Assistant Secretary of Defense for
International Security Affairs; Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., USMC, Commander, U.S. Central Command; and Gen.
Stephen Townsend, Commander, U.S. Africa Command. Video (live and archived) of the hearing will
behere.

3/9: The House Rules Committee will hold a hearing to deal
withS.J. Res. 68 —To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from
hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

3. On the Record...

Congress <hearts> AIPAC(AIPAC conference attendees were on the
Hill this week – and for the 2nd week running, Members of Congress were eager to get on the record showing
their friendship for the group & solidarity with Israel. Selection of statements & tweets – many of
which included pix with smiling AIPAC constituents, are below, in alphabetical order)

Armstrong (R-ND)3/3: Tweet- “It was my pleasure to chat
with @AIPAC attendees about America’s strong alliance with Israel. Our two countries have a unique and
inseparable bond, which I saw firsthand when I visited Israel in August. #WeStandWithIsrael #AIPAC2020”

Biggs (R-AZ)3/3: Tweet – “Earlier today, I met with a
regional group from @AIPAC to discuss the vital alliance between the United States and Israel. I will always
stand with Israel and its citizens. I appreciate the time of these individuals.”

Blunt (R-MO)3/4: Tweet – “Israel is one of our closest
friends and allies. They are our partners in democracy and freedom. I’m proud to #StandWithIsrael”

Blunt (R-MO)3/4: Tweet – “Israel is one of our closest
allies. Proud to be a strong supporter of @AIPAC and glad to see so many Missourians are in Washington for
AIPAC’s annual conference. Thank you for sharing with me how I can support your important work.”

Barrasso (R-WY)3/3: Tweet – “The United States and Israel
share a deep and longstanding friendship. Our nations understand the values of democracy, opportunity, and
freedom. America’s relationship with Israel is stronger than ever. #StandWithIsrael”

Brady (R-TX)3/3: Tweet – “Today, we welcomed #TX08
constituents who are in DC participating in @AIPAC. Our two nations are better because of our friendship,
and I am proud to stand firmly with our ally. #IStandWithIsrael #AIPAC2020

Brindisi (D-NY)3/3: Tweet – “Thanks to everyone from #NY22
who stopped by with @AIPAC to talk about our bipartisan work to strengthen the bond between the United
States and Israel.”

Cassidy (R-LA)3/3: Tweet – “Enjoyed seeing my constituents
at #AIPAC2020. I stand with @AIPAC because the U.S.-Israel relationship must always have the strong,
bipartisan and unwavering support of the United States. #AIPACProud”

Chabot (R-OH)3/6: Tweet – “I had a great meeting with
constituents who were in town for @AIPAC 2020 Policy Conference. I will always be proud to stand with
#Israel.”

Cruz (R-TX)3/2: Tweet (w/ embedded video) – “Today at
@AIPAC I talked about finally shredding the catastrophic Obama-Iran nuclear deal, and announced plans to
work w the Trump admin on a solution at the UN that protects Americans & Israelis from unjust &
politically motivated prosecutions in the Intl Criminal Court.”

Cruz (R-TX)3/2: Twitter thread (accompanied by photos with
Vucic)- “Glad to meet with Serbian President Vucic to discuss Serbia’s alliance with the US and deepening
ties with our mutual ally, Israel. I applaud his announcement at @AIPAC that Serbia will open an official
diplomatic presence in Jerusalem.” and “Serbia’s decision shows yet again that when the US takes lead in
bolstering our allies – as @realDonaldTrumpdid when he moved our own embassy to Jerusalem – our other allies
will be reassured, support, and follow. The US, Israel, and Serbia can achieve much by working together.”

Cruz (R-TX)3/3: Sen. Cruz: It Has Never Been More Important
to Assure the Bipartisan Commitment to Strengthening America and Israel’s Unshakable Alliance

Ernst (R-IA)3/3: Tweet – “Our country’s relationship with
Israel is more important now than ever, and I’m proud to be a voice for the pro-Israel community in Iowa,
and across the country. Thanks to the Iowans with @AIPAC who met with me today! #AIPAC2020”

Escobar (D-TX)3/4: Tweet – “Great to see El Paso community
leaders in our nation’s capital this week! We had a great discussion about strengthening the U.S.-Israel
relationship and opportunities to advance security in the Middle East.”

Ferguson (R-GA)3/4: Tweet – “Thank you to the Georgia
members of @AIPAC for meeting with me to discuss the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Garcia (D-TX)3/3; Tweet – “John, my Chief of Staff, had a
productive meeting with @AIPAC members about the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for the
U.S.-Israel relationship. #AIPACProud”

Grassley (R-IA)3/3: Tweet – “This wk thousands attended the
AIPAC policy conference I went to the cong reception & had many Iowans in my office 2day to discuss
grassroots support for the US-Israel relationship. Israel is the only democracy in the region + a strong US
ally”

Hagedorn (R-MN)3/4: Tweet – “Had a great meeting yesterday
with @AIPAC members from Minnesota. We discussed the need to protect Israel by continuing the arms embargo
on Iran and push back on discrimination by the ICC against Israelis.”

Hastings (D-FL)3/3: Tweet – “Pleased to host members of
@AIPAC once again for a meeting during their annual policy conference to discuss the continued importance of
a strong relationship between the US & Israel, in addition to supporting Jewish communities in my
district and across the globe.”

Hawley (R-MO)3/3: Tweet – “Honored to meet today with
@AIPAC members from #Missouri. I cast my first vote in the US Senate in support of #Israel and will continue
to fight to strengthen our partnership every day I have this job”

Lee (R-UT)3/3: Tweet – “Great meeting with the Utah chapter
of @AIPAC today in Washington. The U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger!!!”

Lesko (R-AZ)3/3: Tweet – “Always a please to discuss the
U.S.-Israel relationship, the security situation confronting Israel, and legislative efforts the U.S.
Congress can take to support Israel with members of @AIPAC. Thanks for coming to my Washington, D.C. office
today!

Loeffler (R-GA)3/3: Tweet – “It’s more important than ever
that we maintain our bond with our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. Today I stopped by the
@AIPAC policy conference w/ @SenDavidPerdue to discuss our shared commitment to a strong US-Israel
relationship. Thank you for all you do, @AIPAC!

McCarthy (R-CA)3/5: Facebook – “Israel Has a Right to
Defend Itself – This may sound obvious, but it needs to be said: Israel has a right to defend itself. ⦿ From
missiles ⦿ And bombs ⦿ And tunnels ⦿ And knife attacks” [with link to AIPAC speech]

McClintock (R-CA)3/3: Tweet – “Had a great discussion today
with @AIPAC members from California about the security and prosperity of Israel.”

McConnell (R-KY)3/3: Leader McConnell Speaks at AIPAC
Policy Conference (Tweet– “I am proud to join@AIPACin witnessing to the world-changing friendship
between the United States and Israel. Join me LIVE at #AIPAC2020 https://watch.aipac.org”

McConnell (R-KY)3/3: Tweet – “The American people deserve a
debate about how best to stand with Israel. How best to lead in the world. Not whether to do so at all. I
hope we can restore the bipartisan consensus that has served our nation, Israel, and the world so well. But
we need to fight for it. #AIPAC2020”

McConnell (R-KY)3/3: Tweet – “In many ways,
#AIPAC2020 marks a promising time for the U.S.-Israel relationship. We in the pro-Israel community have much
to celebrate. But we must also be honest and clear-eyed about challenges. And that includes a dangerous
shift in our politics here at home.”

McSally (R-AZ)3/4: Tweet – “Great to visit with Arizonans
in town for @AIPAC yesterday. We spoke about the tremendous value America’s alliance with Israel holds for
both democracies.”

Morelle (D-NY)3/5: Tweet – “Happy to meet with students and
leaders from Rochester’s Jewish community this week to discuss the issues facing Israel and the Jewish
people both at home and abroad. #AIPAC2020”

Pappas (D-NH)3/4: Tweet – “Thank you to my friends from
@AIPAC for stopping by to discuss our continued bipartisan work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Perdue (R-GA)3/3: Tweet – “My first international trip as a
U.S. Senator was to Israel. I wanted to personally express my support for our strongest ally in the Middle
East. Thanks @AIPAC for working to strengthen and protect the U.S.-Israel relationship!”

Portman (R-OH)3/3: Tweet – “Enjoyed speaking with a group
of Ohio @AIPAC members about America’s unwavering support for Israel and our efforts to combat the rising
tide of anti-Semitism at home. The US-Israeli bond is stronger today than ever before!”

Rice (D-NY)3/3: Tweet – “Honored to speak with so many
constituents who are here in DC for #AIPAC2020 I’m proud to stand with @AIPAC and support a strong
U.S.-Israel alliance.”

Roby (R-AL)3/3: Tweet – “This morning, @AIPAC members from
Alabama came by my office to discuss several different issues. I assured them that I remain committed to our
country’s friendship with Israel. Thank you for meeting w/ me!”

Rosen (D-NV)3/2: Rosen Addresses AIPAC Policy Conference,
Highlights Need to Protect Israel’s Security, Extend UN Arms Embargo on Iran (alsoTweet– “Productive meeting with @AIPAC today! I’ll continue
standing up for our critical partnership with Israel, including ensuring that it maintains its qualitative
military edge.” andTweet– “As the 3rd female Jewish Senator & the 1st
former synagogue president to serve in the Senate, the U.S.-Israeli relationship is deeply personal to me.
At @AIPAC today, I spoke about the need to combat anti-Semitism & protect our bond with Israel.”

Rubio (R-FL)3/3: Tweet (w/ video) – “#Israel is facing a
broad array of threats to it’s future. Now more than ever, America must stand with the Jewish state.
#AIPAC2020”

Sherill (D-NJ)3/4; Tweet – “Thank you to all our #NJ11
residents who came to speak to me yesterday about issues important to a strong American-Israeli
relationship. It was impressive to see the engagement of so many students in our community.”

Sherman (D-CA)3/3: Tweet – “Great to meet with so many San
Fernando Valley residents who are in town for #AIPAC2020. I discussed the work I’m doing to continue
strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Scott (R-FL)3/2: Tweet – “Thanks for having me @AIPAC ! It
was great being at the conference today. It is very important that we can all come together to support our
great ally – Israel.”

Sinema (D-AZ)3/4: Sinema Meets with Arizona AIPAC Leaders
(alsoTweet– “We met with @AIPAC leaders to discuss the important
bond between the U.S. and the State of Israel.”)

Stanton (D-AZ)3/4: Tweet – “.@AIPAC leaders from Arizona
stopped by this week to discuss the U.S. / Israel alliance and the growing economic relationship between our
state and Israel.”

Thune (R-ND)3/3: Tweet – “Met w/ South Dakotans in town for
the#AIPACconference. We discussed how
important the America-Israel partnership is for both our countries. This is a relationship that should have
complete #bipartisan support. Israel is a stabilizing force in a very volatile part of our world.”

Thune (R-ND)3/3: Tweet – “Israel is an important ally and a
beacon of democracy in a notoriously unstable and dangerous part of the world. I’m protective of our
partnership with Israel and will continue to work in the Senate to support and strengthen it.#AIPAC2020”

Toomey (R-PA)3/3: Tweet – “Few nations have been as good a
friend to the U.S. as Israel. That’s why those of us in Congress must continue supporting the safety and
well-being of our closest ally in the Middle East. I enjoyed speaking about this, and other issues, with
@AIPAC members today. #AIPAC2020”

Wild (D-PA)3/3: Tweet – “It’s always the highlight of my
day when I get to see folks from home, especially college students, here in DC. Thanks to all these
constituents for meeting with me today to discuss the importance of maintaining a strong, bipartisan,
US-Israel relationship. See you back in PA-07!”

Wilson (R-SC)3/4: “…Yesterday, I met with AIPAC members,
led by David Kulbersh and his wife, Jane, of Columbia. They continued the tradition of the late David Baker
of Columbia advising my predecessor, Chairman Floyd Spence. Americans appreciate Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, a world statesman, for his cooperation with Jared Kushner for peace. I will always cherish
leading the congressional delegation for the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem with Ambassador David
Friedman as President Donald Trump fulfilled ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept.’”

Miscellaneous Matters

Cruz (R-TX)3/5: Sen. Cruz: ‘The ICC’s Campaign Against Our
Troops Will Fail Because the United States Will Ensure That It Fails’ [“Today’s announcement by the
International Criminal Court is an explicit assault on the sovereignty and security of the United States,
which is not a party to the ICC and over which the ICC has no jurisdiction. It marks the end of the pretense
that the ICC is a legitimate legal body bound by norms and jurisdiction, and exposes it as a political
organization targeting America and our allies, including Israel, to advance the political agendas of hostile
countries which themselves often lack the rule of law. The United States will not sit idly by while
unaccountable political operatives convene kangaroo court trials in foreign countries to prosecute and
persecute American soldiers and the soldiers of our allies. I will work with my colleagues and the Trump
administration on measures aimed at countering this decision, including and especially through a United
Nations Security Council resolution that would prohibit the ICC from prosecuting the nationals of non-member
states.” Also see: Daily Beast 3/5:Sen. Ted Cruz Hatches Plan to Curtail the International Criminal Court’s
Power[“The Texas Republican is working to garner support for a resolution that would
call on the UN Security Council to bar the ICC from bringing charges against people from states who aren’t
parties to the treaty that governs it—which would include Russia, China, the U.S., and Israel.The resolution
would also condemn the court for investigating American soldiers and Israeli officials, per a Republican
aide familiar with Cruz’s outreach. Cruz has indicated that he expects bipartisan support for the effort…”]
andCruz tweet3/2: “Today at @AIPAC I talked about finally
shredding the catastrophic Obama-Iran nuclear deal, and announced plans to work w the Trump admin on a
solution at the UN that protects Americans & Israelis from unjust & politically motivated
prosecutions in the Intl Criminal Court.”

Feinstein (D-CA)3/5: Tweet – “It’s deeply troubling that
Iran has tripled its stockpile of enriched uranium since November. This must serve as a wake-up call for the
Trump administration that its Iran strategy isn’t working. Iran must return to compliance and we must return
to negotiations.” [linked to pdf of longer statement on the issue]

Wild (D-PA)3/4: I rise today to recognize three
extraordinary women: Nouf Abdulaziz, Loujain Al-Hathloul, and Eman Al-Nafjan. For nearly 2 years,
these women have been imprisoned, placed in solitary confinement, and tortured by the Saudi Government, all
because they used their voices to express the need for the government to recognize the fundamental rights
and dignity of women…I urge my colleagues to join me as a cosponsor ofH. Res. 129, a resolution which calls for the immediate
release of these activists and calls on the administration to impose sanctions on Saudi officials
responsible for human rights violations.”